Resources for Families

This section provides an overview of various resources available to families, focusing on specialized services, support for students with disabilities, and access to essential information and programs.

The resources include online portals, guides, and procedures related to special education, as well as district-wide initiatives and services that enhance educational experiences and support family engagement.

See below to learn more!

Family Support Guides

Family Guide

Parent’s Notice of Procedural Safeguards (PNPS)

EdPlan User Guide

Zum Guide

Explore Topics

Office of Specialized Services

Central Office Supports

Advisory Councils & Collectives

Community Based

Contact Us

BPS Helpline

Transportation Hotline

Coordinator of Special Education

 

• Records Request
• Transportation Reimbursement Procedure: If your student’s IEP includes transportation, and you transported your student to and/or from school due to an uncovered bus route, you are entitled to reimbursement.

• The Department of Opportunity Youth strategizes with schools to address barriers faced by opportunity youth, including disconnection, homelessness, involvement with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and academic or attendance obstacles.
• The Department of Transportation (DOT) is committed to ensuring safe and reliable transportation for students throughout the school day and other school-related activities.
• The Office of Equity aims to ensure that BPS is an educational environment unimpeded by bias or discrimination, where students and families of all backgrounds and experiences are welcomed.
• The Office of Expanded Learning Opportunities includes before and after-school offerings, Acceleration Academies, summer programming, and more, in support of students' development long after the school day ends.
• The Office of Language Access Services (OLAS) ensures families have meaningful access to all aspects, programs, opportunities, and services pertaining to their children's education by providing a multitude of language services.
• Succeed Boston offers counseling, support, and restorative practices to enhance students' social, emotional, and decision-making skills, aiming to reduce academic and systemic barriers.

• Records Request
• Transportation Reimbursement Procedure: If your student’s IEP includes transportation, and you transported your student to and/or from school due to an uncovered bus route, you are entitled to reimbursement.

The advisory councils and collectives all contribute to enhancing the educational experience within BPS. Each group focuses on different aspects, from student input and family support to community involvement and program development, working together to ensure inclusive and effective educational policies and practices.

• Boston Student Advisory Council (BSAC)
• Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpEdPAC)
• Citywide Parent Council (CPC)
• District English Learner Advisory Council (DELAC)
• Community Engagement Advisory Collective (CEAC)

Advocacy & Support

Organizations in this category focus on advocacy, support, and legal assistance to empower individuals with disabilities and their families, ensuring inclusive communities and educational opportunities.

• Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC)
• Exceptional Lives
• Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN)
• Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS)
• Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC)
• Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL)
• The EdLaw Project

Autism

The autism category encompasses organizations and resources specifically dedicated to supporting individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as their families. These organizations provide a range of services including medical care, behavioral support, advocacy, residential programs, research, and community-based services aimed at enhancing the quality of life and independence for individuals on the autism spectrum.

• Bryce's Journey Inc.
• Crehan Lab
• DDS Autism Support Centers
• Doug Flutie Foundation for Autism
• The Insurance Resource Center
• SafetyNet Tracking Systems
• The Autism Program at Boston Medical Center
• Vinfen

Community Connections

Community Connections encompasses a diverse array of organizations and initiatives dedicated to fostering inclusion and support for individuals with disabilities and their families within local communities. This category promotes access to essential services such as health care, financial planning, and housing assistance, while also enhancing social integration, recreational opportunities, and overall well-being through educational programs, advocacy services, and cultural enrichment activities.

• 3LPlace
• Best Buddies
• Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF)
• Boston Housing Authority (BHA)
• Careforth
• Disability Lifespan Solutions (DLS)
• EasterSeals
• Zoo New England

Early Childhood

The Early Childhood category offers a range of resources to support your child’s development and family needs from birth to age 5. From financial assistance for childcare and early education programs to a user-friendly dashboard for finding childcare options, Massachusetts provides comprehensive support. Connect with essential services for new families, including free resources for clothing, furniture, and more, through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).

• Child Care Financial Assistance
• Education & Early Intervention
• Great Starts Boston
• New Family Essentials
• Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care (EEC)

Education and Learning Support

The Education and Learning Support category encompasses organizations and services that provide specialized educational programs and tutoring to support individuals with learning disabilities.

• Commonwealth Learning Center

Enrichment Programs

Enrichment programs tailored for individuals with disabilities offer unique opportunities for artistic expression, skill development, and community engagement. These programs aim to foster creativity, confidence, and inclusivity through specialized instruction and supportive environments.

• Berklee College of Music
• Boston Ballet
• Little Groove

Recreational & Adaptive Sports

This category encompasses programs and initiatives that promote physical activity, social engagement, and overall well-being for individuals with disabilities through sports and recreational activities.

• Accessible Martial Arts (Easterseals)
• Adaptive Sports New England
• ASDFit
• Franciscan Adaptive Sports
• Inclusive Fitness
• Little Beavers Running Team
• Love Serving Autism
• Piers Park Sailing Center
• Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers
• Special Olympics Massachusetts
• Sports Museum: Boston vs. Bullies
• Urban Golf Club
• Voice Colors Yoga for Autism

State Agencies and Services

This category provides vital services and support across various domains, including financial education, disability advocacy, special education oversight, health-related support, mental health services, and overall wellness. They ensure accessibility, offer vocational rehabilitation, and coordinate health insurance coverage. These agencies work to promote inclusion, provide essential resources, and support individuals with specific needs.

• Boston Saves
• City of Boston Disability Commission
• Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
• Division for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs
• Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB)
• Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH)
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH)
• Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD)
• Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
• Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC)
• MassHealth
• Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)
• Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH)
• Social Security Administration (SSA)

Transition & Vocational Development

Transition and life skills programs typically cater to adolescents and young adults, generally ranging from around 14 to 21 years old. These programs aim to support individuals during critical stages of transition from school to adulthood, equipping them with essential skills for independent living, career development, and community integration.

• Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL)
• Cross Country Workforce Solutions Group
• Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
• Easterseals
• House of Possibilities
• ImpactABILITY
• Jewish Vocational Service (JVS)
• Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI)
• Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
• Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD)
• Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
• Triangle, Inc.
• Work, Community, Independence, Inc.
• Work Inc.